She had heard that Karina had suffered severe hemorrhaging during childbirth, making it difficult for her to have more children. As a result, they had only one daughter, whom they cherished like a precious gem.


    "Bet, you''re here! I made your favorite scallops in savory sauce and the signature seafood bisque today. You..." Karina came out of the kitchen, her face wreathed in smiles, but her smile froze when she saw Yvonne.


    "Karina," Bet greeted her with his usual calm demeanor, then added, "This is Yvonne. You''ve met her before. My girlfriend."


    "Huh? G-girlfriend?" Karina''s eyes widened in shock and disbelief. After a moment, she immediately turned to find her phone.


    "Mrs. Thompson," Yvonne said, addressing Karina more formally instead of using her first name like Bet did.


    However, Karina ignored her, frantically picking up her phone. Just as she was about to dial, the sound of the front door opening filled the air.


    Noah was back, and with him was Ynda.


    The Thompson and Walker families had long intended to unite through marriage, and Karina was very close with her future sister-inw, Ynda.


    With Bet and Ynda''s recent falling out, Ynda had been heartbroken and had tearfully confided in Karina several times.


    Karina, unaware of the situation between Bet and Yvonne, had assumed it was just a lovers'' quarrel. She had taken it upon herself to invite Bet over, hoping to act as a peacemaker and help them reconcile.


    She never expected Bet to show up, and not alone, but with a new woman on his arm.


    In a panic, Karina had tried to call Noah to tell him not to bring Ynda over, but it was toote. Before she could even dial, Noah had already walked in with Ynda.


    At that moment, the air in the room seemed to crackle with awkwardness.


    Only the family''s nanny was oblivious, bustling over to get slippers from the cab and offering them to Ynda. "Ms. Walker, you''re here! Madam has been talking about you all day. She even made a few of your favorite dishes."


    Ynda stood frozen, not changing her shoes. Her eyes were wide as she stared at Bet and, next to him, Yvonne.


    Noah hadn''t expected the situation to turn out like this either. He sighed in resignation but still invited Ynda inside.


    Telling Ynda to leave now would be a grave insult to the Walker family. But if he asked Yvonne to leave, Bet would undoubtedly walk out with her.


    Karina quickly recovered and came over with a smile, taking Ynda''s hand. "Ynda, you''re here! I''ve finished cooking most of the


    dishes I was just waiting for you to help me make the ravioli."


    Karina pulled Ynda straight into the kitchen.


    Noah changed his shoes, walked into the living room, and sat down opposite Bet and Yvonne.


    "Ms. Jones, long time no see," Noah said, nodding politely to Yvonne, his tone neutral.


    "Mr. Thompson," Yvonne responded just as politely, then said no more.


    "You should have told me you were bringing a friend over would have had Karina make a fewě dishes,


    just in case today''s meal isn''tto Ms. Jones'' taste."


    Noah picked up his teacup and took a sip as he spoke.


    "You also failed to mention you had invited others," Bet replied, his deep eyes


    narrowed, revealing little emotion.


    But Noah knew he was annoyed.


    Noah instinctively nced at Yvonne, who was sitting beside Bet.


    A young and beautiful girl. Perhaps a


    bit cunning, but that was all. There was nothing particrly special about her How had


    r How had sh? suddenly


    gotten involved with Bet, charming him sopletely that he was willing to call off the


    engagement with the Walker family?